January 31, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has condemned recent remarks by Rotimi Amaechi, a former minister of Transportation and ex-governor of Rivers state, warning that it “will not tolerate any form of subversive rhetoric that seeks to undermine national unity or incite lawlessness.”
Amaechi had charged Nigerians to be prepared to defend their mandate in the 2027 general elections, insisting that politicians will do whatever it takes—including stealing, maiming, and killing—to remain in power.
The former Rivers governor, who spoke at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development in Abuja, further cautioned that no Nigerian politician would freely relinquish power without a fight.
Reacting to the remarks, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, described Amaechi’s comments as “inflammatory”.
In a statement issued by Henshaw Ogubike, the ministry’s director of information and public relations, Matawalle cautioned Amaechi against misleading young Nigerians. He warned that security agencies are on high alert and “Any individual or group found inciting violence or attempting to destabilise this nation will face the full force of the law.
“It is both reckless and dangerous for a former public office holder to make such inflammatory remarks. At a time when the government is working tirelessly to consolidate national unity and security, no responsible leader should be fanning the flames of violence and political unrest. We will not tolerate any form of subversive rhetoric that seeks to undermine national unity or incite lawlessness. This government will not fold its arms and allow any individual to disrupt the peace and stability of Nigeria”, he added.
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